The effects of alpha binaural beat music and audio-visual information on anxiety and pain levels in patients undergoing mini-screw application: An in-vivo study

• Author Details:   
• Vikas Thakur
• Monis Raza ^*
• Achint Juneja
• Stuti Mohan
• Nivedita Sharma
• Swati Sharma

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Aim: To assess the impact of audiovisual content and alpha binaural beat music on patients' anxiety and pain during mini-screw implantation.

Materials and Method: A random selection of thirty adult patients undergoing active orthodontic treatment were scheduled for application of mini-screws for additional anchorage. These patients were divided into three groups at random: Group 1 received audiovisual information and music with an alpha binaural beat; Group 2 received audiovisual information and music with a normal beat; and Group 3 received neither intervention nor control. Just before the mini-screw placement procedure, the Spielberger STAI was used to assess the patient's anxiety levels. Following the implantation of a mini-screw, postoperative pain (PP) was measured using a 100-mm horizontal visual analogue scale (VAS) and the modified short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ). SPSS v23 was used to analyse data. A 5% (p≤0.05) threshold for significance was maintained.

Result: State, trait and total anxiety scores showed statistically non-significant difference. The mean VAS score difference was statistically significant (highestin group 3 and lowest in group 1). Difference in sensory & affective domain score of the three groups were found to be statistically significant (highest in group 3 and lowest in group 1).

Conclusion: After a mini-screw is inserted, alpha binaural beat music and audiovisual content can significantly reduce pain, but not anxiety.